Erikson's Psychosocial Development

0-1

Hope

Ability to trust and rely on others rather than developing a mistrustful disposition.

1-3 years

Will

Will Becoming confident and secure in one’s own ability rather than inadequate and overly dependent.

3-5 years

Purpose

Developing confidence in taking initiative and leafing others for example making suggestions about activities to do with others and games to play. If successful develops the capacity to initiate actions rather than having self-doubt and preferring to follow others.

5-12 years

Competence

If successful develops a sense of being a competent and accomplished individual that can achieve rather than an inferior person who lacks skill.

12-19 years

Fidelity

The challenge in the stage is to understand who you are and how you fit into society (sexually and occupationally). If done successfully one develops fidelity (ability to live by society’s standards and expectations, while having the ability to stay true to one’s self).

19 - 35 years

Love

Successful completion of this stage can lead to comfortable relationships and a sense of commitment, safety, and care within a relationship. Avoiding intimacy, fearing commitment and relationships can lead to isolation, loneliness, and sometimes depression.

35-65 years

Care

Middle adulthood offers an chance to give back to society and others through raising children, being productive at work, and being involved in community activities. Failing to navigate this stage may result in feelings of stagnation and feeling unproductive.

65 years+

Wisdom

From 65 onwards we tend to slow down our productivity and contemplate our accomplishments. We develop a sense of integrity if we see our life as having been worthwhile and despair if we are dissatisfied. If successful in this stage we develop wisdom (which is the ability to look back on life with a sense of closure and completeness)